Which term refers to a wall shared by two properties?

The appropriate term for a wall that is shared by two properties is a party wall. This is a common construction feature in buildings that are adjacent to one another, such as in townhouse or duplex structures, where the wall serves as a separation between the two units while also providing structural support for both.

The concept of a party wall is often addressed in property law, as it can come with specific rights and responsibilities for the owners of the properties that share the wall. For instance, both parties may have agreed-upon rules regarding maintenance, improvements, and modifications to the wall to ensure that it remains in good condition and continues to serve its purpose for both properties.

Other terms such as boundary wall, division wall, and common wall may refer to similar structures but typically convey different meanings. A boundary wall often delineates the property lines rather than serving as a shared structure. Division walls are more about separating spaces within a single property rather than between two different owners. Common walls can imply a broader context, but they do not specifically denote the legal ownership and shared nature inherent to a party wall. Thus, the term party wall is the most accurate in describing a wall that is owned jointly by two adjoining property owners.